Web member for concrete form walls

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a building component comprising first and second high density foam panels each having inner and outer surfaces, top and bottom, and first and second ends, the panels arranged in spaced parallel relationship with their inner surfaces facing each other, and at least two bridging members extending between and through and molded into the panel members. Each bridging member comprises a pair of elongated end plates oriented vertically and abutting against the outer surfaces of the panels; a thin narrow strip member joining the mid-areas of the end plates; a series of first narrow bracing members extending from positions adjacent a mid-point of the narrow strip member to positions spaced a short distance from the ends of the end plates; and a series of second narrow bracing members extending from positions on the first bracing members to positions on the strip member intermediate the plates and the mid-point of the strip member.

This application relates to a building component of the type which isused to build up permanent concrete form walls in building construction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In conventional construction in North America concrete walls arenormally produced by constructing form walls, pouring concrete into thespace between the form walls and, upon the setting of the concrete,removing the form walls. Finishing materials are then added to theconcrete walls as required.

Typically in residential construction, concrete basement and otherconcrete walls will be constructed in the manner discussed above andwood framing will be constructed as required on top of or beside thewalls. Insulation will be inserted between the framing members and thewall finished inside and out as desired.

Clearly both parts of this construction are inefficient. It istime-consuming and wasteful of materials to have to remove the formwalls after the concrete walls are poured. Furthermore, it is now commonto insulate all walls, including basement walls, particularly in colderclimates, and framing and insulation must be installed separately insidethe walls.

The piecemeal construction which is inherent in the wood frame part ofthe structure is labour-intensive and expensive.

As a result, there have been ongoing efforts for many, many years toprovide more modular types of wall construction from which efficienciescan be gained.

One such construction type is that with which the current invention isconcerned.

For some 15 years a system has been in use particularly in Europe whichcombines a number of the operations normally associated with residentialand other building construction to provide savings in materials, energy,etc. The system basically comprises the use of a foam insulatingmaterial to construct permanent form walls. The form walls areconstructed and the concrete poured and the form walls then left inplace. The concrete walls so formed need not be confined to basementwalls but may comprise all of a building's walls. No further insulationis necessary, and finishing materials may be applied to the interior andexterior of the wall as required.

Variations on this system have been proposed to achieve variousimprovements. All of the systems thus far proposed, while in many casesvery useful, suffer from some or other disadvantages.

Against this background the present invention provides a buildingcomponent for use in such a system which when integrated into a wallconstruction offers advantages over prior art such systems.

PRIOR ART

Applicant is aware of Canadian Patent No. 1,209,364, issued in 1986 toAregger AG Bauunternehmung. The components described in that patentinclude cross members, the ends of which are disadvantageouslycompletely embedded in the foam blocks.

United States patents of some interest include U.S. Pat No. 4,698,947,issued October 1987 to McKay and pertaining to a block in which thecross members are again imbedded in the foam blocks but in slotsprovided for the purpose.

U.S. Pat No. 4,730,422, issued March 1988 to Young, comprises form wallswhich again utilize bridging members the ends of which are located inslots imbedded within foam blocks.

U.S. Pat No. 4,879,855, issued November 1989 to Berrenberg. illustratesa form wall in which the bridging members are constructed from expandedwebbed steel having galvanized steel strips at the ends thereof.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,382, issued December 1989 to Horobin, againdiscloses bridging members which fit within preformed slots in foamedblock members.

Applicant's own earlier U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 08/041,412,filed 31 Mar. 1993, now U.S. Pat No. 5,390,459 discloses an improvedsystem utilizing plastic bridging members in a form wall.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has now been discovered that substantial advantages can be obtainedwhere the building component used to build up a concrete form wallcomprises bridging members which are engineered to combine an enhancedstrengthening and reinforcing grid with a substantial reduction inmaterial. The grid achieves enhanced strength not only from thearrangement of bracing members but also from enlarged openings in thegrid allowing improved flow of foam and, subsequently, of concrete.

Thus the invention provides a building component comprising first andsecond high density foam panels each having inner and outer surfaces,top and bottom, and first and second ends, the panels arranged in spacedparallel relationship with their inner surfaces facing each other, andat least two bridging members extending between and through and moldedinto the panel members. Each bridging member comprises a pair ofelongated end plates oriented vertically and abutting against the outersurfaces of the panels; a thin narrow strip member joining the mid-areasof the end plates; a series of first narrow bracing members extendingfrom positions adjacent a mid-point of the narrow strip member topositions spaced a short distance from the ends of the end plates; and aseries of second narrow bracing members extending from positions on thefirst bracing members to positions on the strip member intermediate theplates and the mid-point of the strip member.

In a further embodiment there is provided, for use in a buildingcomponent comprising first and second high density foam panels eachhaving inner and outer surfaces, top and bottom, and first and secondends, the panels arranged in spaced parallel relationship with theirinner surfaces facing each other, and at least two bridging membersextending between and through and molded into the panel members; animproved bridging member comprising a pair of elongated end platesoriented vertically and abutting against the outer surfaces of thepanels; a thin narrow strip member joining the mid-areas of the endplates; a series of first narrow bracing members extending frompositions adjacent a mid-point of the narrow strip member to positionsspaced a short distance from the ends of the end plates; and a series ofsecond narrow bracing members extending from positions on the firstbracing members to positions on the strip member intermediate the platesand the mid-point of the strip member.

In a further embodiment there is provided a building componentcomprising first and second high density foam panels each having innerand outer surfaces, top and bottom, and first and second ends. Thepanels are arranged in spaced parallel relationship with their innersurfaces facing each other, and at least two bridging members extendbetween and through and molded into the panel members. The top of onepanel is substantially thicker than the bottom thereof, the outersurface of that panel is profiled to extend outwardly and upwardly fromthe bottom to the top thereof, and the inside surface of the thickerpart is partially cut away in areas not containing the bridging members.

In a further embodiment there is provided a building componentcomprising first and second high density foam panels each having innerand outer surfaces, top and bottom, and first and second ends. Thepanels are arranged in spaced parallel relationship with their innersurfaces facing each other, and at least two bridging members extendbetween and through and molded into the panel members. At at least oneend of and integral with the first and second panels, an end partprotrudes longitudinally from a part of that end of the panels, the endpart having mating means for mating with a complementary end part on asecond component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a building component according to theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a building component according to theinvention.

FIG. 3 is top plan view of another embodiment of the building componentaccording to the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bridging member for use in theinvention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the bridging member of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an end view of the bridging member of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is an end view of a building component according to the inventionincorporating the bridging member of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventionillustrating a brick shelf.

FIG. 9 is an end view of the embodiment of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a component for use in the embodiment ofFIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation of a component for use in the embodiment ofFIG. 11.

FIGS. 14 to 16 are top plan views of variations of the embodiment ofFIG. 11.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a wall section constructed according tothe invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a series of protrusions andinterconnecting walls for use on the top of a building componentaccording to the invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates a series of protrusions and depressions for use onthe bottom of a building component according to the invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a building component according to theinvention illustrating the use of rebar.

While the invention will be described in conjunction with illustratedembodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit theinvention to such embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to coverall alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be includedwithin the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appendedclaims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The building component 10 comprises first and second foam panels 12 and14 secured together by at least two bridging members 42.

Panel 12 comprises inner and outer surfaces 18 and 20 respectively, topand bottom 22 and 24 respectively, and first and second ends 26 and 28.Panel 14 comprises inner and outer surfaces 30 and 32, top and bottom 34and 36, and first and second ends 38 and 40.

The panels 12 and 14 are preferably fire retardant expanded polystyrene,polyethylene or polypropylene. Subject to indentations and protrusionsof minor height to be discussed below, the panels are of uniformrectangular cross-section. In a typical case each panel may be 48 incheslong, 16¾ inches high and 2⅝ inches thick.

Bridging members 42 comprise a pair of elongated end plates 44 and 46joined by narrow strip member 48.

As illustrated, for example, in FIG. 1, the end plates 44 and 46 havetheir outer surfaces 50 and 52 respectively substantially flush with theouter surfaces 20 and 32 of panels 12 and 14 respectively. End plates 44and 46 are oriented vertically relative to panels 12 and 14. Throughoutthis specification references to vertical and horizontal are intended toindicate the orientation of component 10 in position of use in avertical wall.

In the preferred configuration of bridging members 42, as illustrated inFIGS. 4 to 6, the narrow strip member 48 has a stepped configurationsuch that a first part 54 is horizontally offset at 56 from a secondpart 58.

Narrow bracing members 60, 62, 64 and 66 extend between a mid-area 68 ofnarrow strip member 48 and positions 70, 72, 74 and 76 close to butspaced from the extremities 78, 80, 82 and 84 of end plates 44 and 46.In the preferred embodiment end plates 44 and 46 include on the innersurfaces 86 and 88 thereof elongated reinforcing ribs 90 and 92 whichare integral with the respective ends of bracing members 60, 62, 64 and66.

Bridging member 42 includes second bracing members 94, 96, 98 and 100between narrow strip member 48 and first bracing members 60, 62, 64 and66 respectively. In the preferred configuration second bracing members94, 96, 98 and 100 are substantially vertically oriented and have theirinner edges 102, 104, 106 and 108 respectively substantially flush withinner surfaces 18 and 30 respectively of panels 12 and 14.

The first bracing members 60, 62, 64 and 66 form in their preferredconfiguration an X-shape joining the positions 70, 72, 74 and 76 nearthe ends of end plates 44 and 46 through the mid-area 68. Thisconfiguration provides a substantial increase in strength in thebridging member over known such members.

In the preferred configuration transverse stiffening members 110, 112,114 and 116 are provided between narrow strip member 48 and secondbracing members 94, 96, 98 and 100 respectively. In configuration eachof these members includes a first part 118 which in use is substantiallyflush with the inner surfaces 18 and 30 of panels 12 and 14; and asecond section 120 which extends into said panels.

There is also preferably provided a transverse stiffening member 121across both surfaces of mid-area 68.

Mid-area 68 is preferably enlarged and profiled to provide a series ofseats for rebar positioning. Thus, utilizing the seats 122 provides anopen pattern of rebar. Use of seats 124 provides a more closed pattern.Seats 126 provide one or two centred rebar rods.

In order to position and stabilize vertical rebar in constructing thewall, horizontal rebar may be placed in alternate seats, as selected,with the vertical rebar then placed between horizontal rebar. Forexample, horizontal rebar may be placed in seats 124 with vertical rebarin the space between.

Clearly a preferred pattern of rebar installation may be selected tomeet job requirements.

In the preferred configuration each of the rebar seats is provided witha resilient hook member as at 128 to provide a snap fit to maintain therebar in position. This will avoid the extra labour involved in tying insome or all of the rebar.

Each bridging member 42 comprises a single integral unit molded ofplastic. The preferred plastic is high-density flame retardantpolyethylene, although flame retardant polypropylene, polystyrene andother suitable polymers may be used.

The bridging members 42 are molded into the panels 12 and 14 in thecourse of producing the panels. As best seen in FIG. 1, the end plates44 and 46 are preferably of substantially equal height with the panels12 and 14 and are substantially flush with the top and bottom of thepanels, subject to the vertical joining means on the panels, to bediscussed below.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, a series of components 10, including a row ofcomponents 210 (FIGS. 8-10) are built up to form a wall 130. Initially aseries of components 10 and 210 are stacked to form a hollow wall orconcrete form after which concrete 132 is poured into the hollow part ofwall 130 to complete the wall.

In order to facilitate the stacking of the components 10, the panels 12and 14 are provided on the top thereof with a series of plugs 134 joinedby low walls 136 (FIG. 18); and on the bottom 24 and 36 thereof with amating series of plugs 138 and walls 140 (FIG. 19). The plugs 134 and138 are offset relative to each other, such that when the bottom of onecomponent 10 is placed on the top of a lower component 10, the plugs 134and walls 136 of the upper component mate with the plugs 138 and walls140 of the bottom component to form a tight seal to prevent leakage ofconcrete during wall formation and of energy through the completed wall.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the inner surfaces 18 and 30 ofpanels 12 and 14 respectively are preferably provided with a series ofindentations 142. Concrete being poured into the hollow wall will flowinto indentations 142 and enhance the bond between panels 12 and 14 andconcrete 132.

With reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, an embodiment of the invention is shownwhich provides for an integral brick shelf 200 to be formed at theappropriate level of the form wall. This will normally be at grade. Incurrent construction considerable cost and labour is expended inproviding footings for brick cladding where a brick structure is beingconstructed. The embodiment of FIGS. 8 to 10 permits an integral brickshelf to be constructed.

Thus, the building component 210 comprises first and second foam panels212 and 214 secured together by at least two bridging members 242.

Panel 212 comprises inner and outer surfaces 218 and 220 respectively,top and bottom 222 and 224 respectively, and first and second ends 226and 228. Panel 214 comprises inner and outer surfaces 230 and 232, topand bottom 234 and 236, and first and second ends 238 and 240.

As can be seen in FIGS. 8 to 10, the top 222 of panel 212 issubstantially thicker than the bottom 224. The outer surface 220 ofpanel 212 is profiled to extend outwardly and upwardly from bottom 224to the top 222. In the preferred configuration bottom part 244 of panel212 is the same thickness as panel 214 and of other panels in a wall. Atpart 244 the outer surface 220 is preferably vertical. A top part 246 ofpanel 212 is substantially thicker than bottom part 244. Outer surface220 at part 246 is also preferably vertical. At an intermediate part 248of panel 212 the outer surface 220 is profiled to join lower part 244 tothicker upper part 246.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, parts of thicker upper part 246 ofpanel 212 are cut away (by means of mold cavities rather than by actualcutting) in areas which do not contain bridging members 242. Thecut-away areas 250 are thus open to the space 252 between the panels.

The inner surface 218 of panel 212 in the area of cut-aways 250 isprofiled as at 254 to follow the profile of outer surface 220, althoughnot necessarily at uniform distance from that outer surface.

It will thus be seen that when a wall is constructed in the usual waywhich includes a course of modified components 210 (see FIG. 17), andwhen concrete is poured to form the core of the wall, the concrete willfill the cut-aways or cavities 250 to form the brick shelf integral withthe wall.

The solid foam partitions 256 between cut-aways 250 preferably include aslot 258 to support rebar or other reinforcing means for the shelf.

A further problem which arises in the construction of form wallsconcerns the difficulty in establishing correct angles where adirectional change in a wall of less than 90° is required. If, forexample, the angle in a foundation wall is incorrect by a small amountthe entire building above that part of the foundation is affected.Accordingly, the embodiment of FIGS. 11 to 16 has been devised to enablea range of directional changes or corners to be accurately constructedin a form wall, providing continuity in the form wall.

Thus, the component 310 comprises panels 312 and 314 secured together bya series of bridging members 342. Panel 312 comprises inner and outersurfaces 318 and 320 respectively, and first and second ends 326 and328. Panel 314 comprises inner and outer surfaces 330 and 332, top andbottom 334 and 336, and first and second ends 338 and 340.

At the end of component 310 integral end parts 344 and 346 are shown.These end parts are seen to be integral with panels 312 and 314respectively. Each of end parts 344 and 346 is preferably semi-circularin configuration.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, end part 344 extends from the upper half ofends 326 and 328 of panels 312 and 314; and end part 346 extends fromthe lower half of ends 328 and 340 of the panels. End part 344preferably includes in a lower surface 348 thereof a centralsemi-circular groove 350.

The upper surface 352 of end part 346 includes a complementary centralraised tongue 354 of semi-circular plan.

When a change of direction of, say, 30° is required in a wall, thecomponent 310 can be bisected at an appropriate point and turned end toend to form part components 310a and 310b (FIG. 11). The tongue 354 canthen be mated with the groove 350 and the units rotated to the requiredangle. At that point a part of the end parts 344 and 346 will cross thespace 356 between the panels. That part of the end parts 344 and 346 canthen simply be cut out to allow the concrete core to be installed.

The ends 326 and 328 of panel 310, and 338 and 340 of panel 314 areangled as shown at 356, 358, 360 and 362 to accommodate thesemi-circular end parts 344 and 346 over a range of rotation.

While a preferred configuration of this embodiment has been described, anumber of variations are possible. For example, rather than being ofsemi-circular configuration, the end parts may be stepped to accommodatespecific predetermined angles as in a semi-hexagonal configuration.

As well, only one of end parts 344 and 346 may be present on a givencomponent with a second complementary and mating end part on a secondcomponent. There are, however, advantages in including the two end partson a single component. These include the very significant fact that onlya single mold is required for that case. As well, where the double-endedpanels are utilized, builders will always be sure of having available anequal number of half joints.

The highly preferred overlapping configuration of blocks in a wall canbe achieved with the double-ended unit by bisecting succeedingdouble-ended blocks at different locations along their length intonon-equal parts.

In the typical basic component discussed earlier (e.g. FIG. 1), of48-inch width, the bridging members 42 will preferably be spaced on8-inch centres with the two bridging members closest to the ends of thecomponent located 4 inches from the ends. Thus, when the panels areoverlapped to form the wall, the bridging members of the various coursescan be aligned to form continuous strips of end plates 44 and 46 overthe entire height of the wall. This is a very significant advantage ofthe present system, since interior or exterior wall cladding can befixed to the exterior of the end plates 44 and 46, preferably usingscrews.

Drainage is provided and parging and damp-proofing of the exterior as isthe case with a conventional concrete basement wall.

Using the typical dimensions noted above with a panel separation of 6¼inches (6¼ inches of concrete) the insulating value of the wall is R26.This is a very high rating for wall construction and thus no additionalinsulation is required. In addition to the energy-saving value of theinsulation, the walls have high resistance to sound transmission with atypical sound reduction of 53 DBA.

The typical component noted above will weigh only about 2.8 kgs. and soprovides a substantial advantage to tradesmen building a wall.

Thus it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with theinvention a building component that fully satisfies the objects, aimsand advantages set forth above. While the invention has been describedin conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident thatmany alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent tothose skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description.Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scopeof the invention.

1. A building component comprising: first and second high density foampanels each having inner and outer surfaces, top and bottom, and firstand second ends, said panels arranged in spaced parallel relationshipwith their inner surfaces facing each other, and at least two bridgingmembers extending between and through and molded into said panelmembers, each said bridging member comprising: a pair of elongated endplates oriented vertically and abutting against said outer surfaces ofsaid panels; a thin narrow strip member joining the mid-areas of saidend plates; a series of first narrow bracing members extending frompositions adjacent a mid-point of said narrow strip member to positionsspaced a short distance from the ends of said end plates; and a seriesof second narrow bracing members extending from positions on said firstbracing members to positions on said strip member intermediate saidplates and said mid-point of said strip member.
 2. The component ofclaim 1 wherein said second bracing members are oriented substantiallyvertically.
 3. The component of claim 2 wherein an edge of each saidsecond bracing member closest to said mid-point of said narrow strip issubstantially flush with said inner surface of a respective said panel.4. The component of claim 3 including a series of short outer transversestiffening members extending from said narrow strip vertically alongsaid edges of said second bracing members and substantially flush withsaid inner surfaces of respective said panels.
 5. The component of claim4 wherein said stiffening members include a short 90 degree extensionacross respective said second bracing members into respective saidpanels.
 6. The component of claim 1 including a central transversestiffening member on each side of said mid-point of said narrow strip.7. The component of claim 1 wherein said narrow strip includes a widenedarea about its mid-point with which said first bracing members areintegral and which includes a predetermined pattern of seats wherebyrebar may be selectively positioned relative to said component.
 8. Thecomponent of claim 7 wherein said seats are defined in part by yieldablemembers whereby to provide snap fit for said rebar.
 9. The component ofclaim 1 wherein lines through said series of first bracing members forman “X” pattern between said end plates.
 10. The component of claim 1including an elongated stiffening rib along an inner face of said endplates, said rib integral with ends of said first bracing members. 11.The component of claim 1 wherein said narrow strip has a steppedconfiguration in which an upper part of said strip is horizontallyoffset from a lower part thereof.
 12. For use in a building componentcomprising first and second high density foam panels each having innerand outer surfaces, top and bottom, and first and second ends, saidpanels arranged in spaced parallel relationship with their innersurfaces facing each other, and at least two bridging members extendingbetween and through and molded into said panel members; an improvedbridging member comprising: a pair of elongated end plates orientedvertically and abutting against said outer surfaces of said panels; athin narrow strip member joining the mid-areas of said end plates; aseries of first narrow bracing members extending from positions adjacenta mid-point of said narrow strip member to positions spaced a shortdistance from the ends of said end plates; and a series of second narrowbracing members extending from positions on said first bracing membersto positions on said strip member intermediate said plates and saidmid-point of said strip member.
 13. A building component comprising:first and second high density foam panels each having inner and outersurfaces, top and bottom, and first and second ends, said panelsarranged in spaced parallel relationship with their inner surfacesfacing each other, and at least two bridging members extending betweenand through and molded into said panel members, and wherein said top ofone said panel is substantially thicker than the bottom thereof, saidouter surface of said one panel is profiled to extend outwardly andupwardly from said bottom thereof to said top thereof, and wherein saidinside surface of said thicker part is partially cut away in areasspaced from said bridging members.
 14. The component of claim 13 whereinsaid outer surface of said one panel includes a lower vertical part, anupper vertical part, and an intermediate part connecting said lower andupper parts.
 15. The component of claim 14 wherein said cut away partsfollow the profile of but are spaced from said outer surface of said onepanel.
 16. A building component comprising: first and second highdensity foam panels each having inner and outer surfaces, top andbottom, and first and second ends, said panels arranged in spacedparallel relationship with their inner surfaces facing each other, andat least two bridging members extending between and through and moldedinto said panel members, each said bridging member comprising: a pair ofelongated end plates oriented vertically and abutting against said outersurfaces of said panels; a thin narrow strip member joining themid-areas of said end plates; a series of first narrow bracing membersextending from positions adjacent a mid-point of said narrow stripmember to positions spaced a short distance from the ends of said endplates; a series of second narrow bracing members extending frompositions on said first bracing members to positions on said stripmember intermediate said plates and said mid-point of said strip member;and wherein said top of one said panel is substantially thicker than thebottom thereof, said outer surface of said one panel is profiled toextend outwardly and upwardly from said bottom thereof to said topthereof, and wherein said inside surface of said thicker part ispartially cut away in areas not containing said bridging members.
 17. Abuilding component, comprising: first and second insulating foam panelsarranged to define therebetween a space for receiving pourable buildingmaterial, and at least two bridging members extending between andconnecting said panels, each bridging member comprising: a pair of endplates; a thin narrow strip member joining the mid-areas of said endplates; a series of first narrow bracing members extending frompositions adjacent a mid-point of said narrow strip member to positionsspaced a short distance from the ends of said end plates; and a seriesof second narrow bracing members extending from positions on said firstbracing members to positions on said strip member intermediate saidplates and said mid-point of said strip member.
 18. The buildingcomponent of claim 17, wherein said end plates are elongated and areorientated substantially vertically.
 19. The building component of claim17, wherein said end plates extend substantially from a top end to abottom end of said panels.
 20. The building component of claim 17,wherein said pair of end plates abut against outer surfaces of saidpanels.
 21. The building component of claim 17, wherein said bridgingmembers are molded into said panels.
 22. The building component of claim17, wherein each of said bridging members further comprises first andsecond transverse stiffeners extending vertically along said bridgingmember and substantially flush with inner surfaces of said first andsecond panels.
 23. A bridging member for connecting opposed foam panelsof an insulated concrete form wall, said bridging member comprising: apair of end plates; a thin narrow strip member joining the mid-areas ofsaid end plates; a series of first narrow bracing members extending frompositions adjacent a mid-point of said narrow strip member to positionsspaced a short distance from the ends of said end plates; and a seriesof second narrow bracing members extending from positions on said firstbracing members to positions on said strip member intermediate saidplates and said mid-point of said strip member.
 24. A buildingcomponent, comprising: first and second insulating foam panels arrangedto define therebetween a space for receiving pourable building material,and at least two bridging members extending between and connecting saidpanels, each bridging member comprising: a pair of end plates; a thinnarrow strip member joining the mid-areas of said end plates; a seriesof first narrow bracing members extending from positions adjacent amid-point of said narrow strip member to positions spaced a shortdistance from the ends of said end plates; a series of second narrowbracing members extending from positions on said first bracing membersto positions on said strip member intermediate said end plates and saidmid-point of said strip member; and wherein said outer surface of saidfirst panel is profiled to extend outwardly and upwardly from saidbottom thereof to said top thereof to define a supporting shelf.
 25. Abuilding component, comprising: first and second insulating foam panelsarranged in spaced parallel relationship to define therebetween a spacefor receiving pourable building material, and at least two bridgingmembers extending between and connecting said panels, each bridgingmember comprising: a pair of end plates; a thin narrow strip memberjoining the mid-areas of said end plates; a series of first narrowbracing members extending from positions adjacent a mid-point of saidnarrow strip member to positions spaced a short distance from the endsof said end plates; and a series of second narrow bracing membersextending from positions on said first bracing members to positions onsaid strip member intermediate said plates and said mid-point of saidstrip member.
 26. A building component, comprising: first and secondinsulating foam panels arranged in spaced parallel relationship todefine therebetween a space for receiving pourable building material,and at least two bridging members extending between and connecting saidpanels, each bridging member comprising: a pair of end plates; a thinnarrow strip member joining the mid-areas of said end plates; a seriesof first narrow bracing members extending from positions adjacent amid-point of said narrow strip member to positions spaced a shortdistance from the ends of said end plates; and a series of second narrowbracing members extending from positions on said first bracing membersto positions on said strip member intermediate said plates and saidmid-point of said strip member; wherein said outer surface of said firstpanel comprises a portion extending at an angle relative to the verticalto define a supporting shelf.
 27. The building component of claim 13,wherein said bridging members extend through both the inner and outersurfaces of said other one of said panels.
 28. The building component ofclaim 27, wherein said bridging members include a pair of end plates,wherein one of said end plates of each bridging member abuts the outersurface of said other panel.
 29. The building component of claim 13,wherein said one panel further includes at least two members extendinginwardly from said inner surface of said one panel, each of saidextending members having a top portion, a bottom portion and anintermediate portion extending therebetween, said top portion beingsubstantially thicker than said bottom portion.
 30. The buildingcomponent of claim 29, wherein said extending members comprisepartitions connected with said one panel.
 31. The building component ofclaim 30, wherein said partitions are integrally formed from insulatingfoam material with said one panel.
 32. The building component of claim29, wherein each of said bridging members include a first end connectedto one of said extending members of said one panel and a second endconnected to said other panel.
 33. The building component of claim 29,wherein said top portions of said extending members define at least aportion of a supporting shelf with said substantially thicker top ofsaid one panel.
 34. The building component of claim 33, wherein saidsupporting shelf includes a top surface of building material receivedwithin a space between said panels.
 35. The building component of claim34, wherein the building material received within said space defines avertical wall portion integral with said supporting shelf.
 36. Thebuilding component of claim 13, wherein said bridging members are formedintegrally from one piece of material.